Education and Workforce Development

The wind energy industry provides a range of well-paid jobs in both rural and urban locations. Photo from iStock 1362712628

Who Works in the Wind Energy Industry?

The American wind energy industry currently supports more than 120,000 jobs, including turbine technicians and engineers, component manufacturers, project developers, financial analysts, and supply chain managers.

With the Biden administration’s goals of 100% clean electricity by 2035 and a net-zero carbon economy by 2050, the wind energy job market is expected to continue to grow. For example, wind turbine technician employment is projected to grow 44% from 2021 to 2023, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

Workforce Growth and Support

Researchers are working with academics, industry employers, standards offices, and job seekers to support workforce growth to close the “wind energy workforce gap” as well as establish safety and training guidance and best practices in offshore wind energy, land-based wind energy, and wind energy technology supply chains and manufacturing.

Preparing for a Career in Wind Energy

Jobs in the wind energy industry have a wide range of experience and education requirements. Securing a job as a wind turbine technician requires trade school experience, whereas landing a job as an electrical engineer or research scientist requires an advanced degree.

Review the options below to find resources that match your situation, level of education, and interests.

I am an educator who wants to teach students about wind energy.

• Bring wind energy back to school with you this year, whether you are a student or teacher.
• Electrify your lessons with WINDExchange’s list of wind energy curricula and teaching materials. With options for elementary, middle school, and high school students, these recommended curricula, websites, books, and videos can help you bring wind energy into your classroom.
• The REpowering Schools program works with educators, the renewable energy industry, and national and state government projects to support opportunities that engage and train a diverse, sustained renewable energy workforce.
• The Wind for Schools project operates in 12 states and, through REpowering Schools, is expanding the program to additional states. The project introduces communities across the country to wind energy, gives K–12 students opportunities to conduct wind energy research in the classroom, and prepares college students to serve as project consultants for small wind turbine installations at rural elementary and secondary schools.
• The KidWind program offers standards-based educational tools to help students explore the science and technology of wind, solar, and other forms of renewable energy and their impact on the environment.
• The National Energy Education Development program promotes energy education among students, educators, and civic leaders through the design and delivery of energy education programs.
• The North American Wind Energy Academy brings together researchers, educators, policymakers, and industry members to form collaborative partnerships.

I am interested in learning about jobs in wind energy.

• Bring wind energy back to school with you this year, whether you are a student or teacher.
• WINDExchange’s Wind Energy Education and Training Programs map shows wind energy programs at community colleges, universities, and other institutions in the United States.
• The U.S. Department of Energy Wind Energy Technologies Office Wind Career Map illustrates potential pathways for job growth in the wind energy industry. Use the map to explore degreed careers, which require a bachelor’s degree or higher, and vocational careers, which are available to someone applying trade school experience in a professional setting.
• The U.S. Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition helps undergraduate students prepare for jobs in the wind energy workforce through real-world technology, finance, project development, communications, and outreach experience. Many competition alumni cite their competition experience as a key factor in landing a job in the wind and renewable energy industries.
• The Wind for Schools project operates in 12 states and, through REpowering Schools, is expanding the program to additional states. The project introduces communities across the country to wind energy, gives K–12 students opportunities to conduct wind energy research in the classroom, and prepares college students to serve as project consultants for small wind turbine installations at rural elementary and secondary schools.
• The KidWind program offers standards-based educational tools to help students explore the science and technology of wind, solar, and other forms of renewable energy and their impact on the environment.
• The U.S. Department of Energy Wind Energy Technologies Office Careers page offers jobs in wind energy within the federal government.
• The American Clean Power Association’s Careers in Wind Energy page and Clean Energy Career Pathways Catalog provides information about careers in the wind energy industry.

More Information

Want to learn about wind energy careers from real wind energy professionals? Here is some further reading:

• Bridging the Wind Energy Workforce Gap
• Creativity, Persistence, and Passion Drive the Women of Wind Energy
• Collegiate Wind Competition Alum’s Industry Connections Open Door to Career in Wind Energy
• Collegiate Wind Competition Alum Goes Far with Passion for Renewable Energy
• Working on the Wind Energy Workforce
• Meet the Students Supporting Wind Energy Research
• Flexibility in Work and Wind Turbines.

Curious about energy jobs beyond wind? Check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s Workforce page to learn about STEM education and workforce development opportunities in solar, hydrogen, bioenergy, and more.

Visit our Distributed Wind Energy page and community wind energy guides to learn how your community can own, host, and benefit from wind power.